I am delighted to have been asked to write a foreword to this important book. I will comment on some of the challenges discussed by the distinguished authors and reflect on the scope and international nature of the debate swirling around the question of ‘Whither the academic library?’

It is entirely appropriate that not only are the authors who address this question hugely respected figures in their domains, but also they reflect between them a truly international perspective, or more accurately, a developed world perspective, reminding us all rather painfully of the new kinds of information schisms that divide countries in the digital age.

The future academic library envisioned by our authors recognizes a rapidly changing context – in technology, publishing, user behaviour and expectations, all of which challenge the very nature of academic libraries, their leadership, organizational sustainability and integrity.

I am particularly struck in the debates on the overall theme of the library of the future that we are at a stage in our digital journey which is full of paradoxes, and our library organizations need bold innovation in management now more than ever. Models centred on traditional styles of control and efficiency will not suffice in the world of make-or-break challenges that libraries are facing. Pioneering leadership and radical innovation in management are not generally associated with academic or other libraries: but they really need to be. In this I have been influenced by Gary Hamel and his arguments for a revolution in leadership attributes.

Looking through the contributions, I see commonly agreed challenges, but no common solutions. Everyone refers to the importance, even centrality, of the web and particularly Web 2.0 and Library 2.0. The opportunities of the Web 2.0 and social networking world are clear to all and there is much activity across libraries to embed these technologies in appropriate ways within their services, and more widely within a digital framework of learning and teaching and research processes. This should contribute to the continuing relevance and visibility of librarians and information specialists in supporting enhanced student and academic experiences. It remains, however, a non-trivial challenge to embed this changed approach within libraries, to upskill colleagues, and to try to keep pace with digital-native users.